A University of Johannesburg (UJ) study has found that some Gauteng teenagers in under-resourced schools are battling severe mental health challenges that are affecting their education and long-term prospects.
“Some Gauteng teenagers are battling such intense negative thoughts that their school education – which could help them move out of poverty – is being impacted,” the study found.
The level of distress among learners is described as “deeply concerning,” according to lead author Dr Linda Jabbour, a doctoral researcher at the UJ Department of Educational Psychology in the Faculty of Education.
“In my study, some teenagers spoke about feeling hopeless ‘most of the time.’ One participant described overdosing because she felt she couldn’t cope anymore,” Jabbour said.
The study involved interviews with 30 learners in Grades 8 to 11 from three under-resourced urban high schools in Johannesburg South.
“If we imagine education as a ladder out of poverty, mental health is the strength that allows a child to climb it,” Jabbour said. “A teenager may have access to schooling, but if they experiencing symptoms of depression, trauma, or constant anxiety, they cannot fully benefit from it. Mental health determines whether opportunity can actually be used.”
“Many of these teenagers see education as their only way out of poverty. That’s a huge responsibility to carry at their age. They worry constantly about failing, about disappointing their families, and about what will happen after matric.”
Jabbour found that schools themselves are often a source of chronic stress.
“They’re often in overcrowded classrooms. Some don’t even have basic equipment or textbooks. So, you have very high expectations and very limited support.”
The study also noted that home environments can add to stress, although coping mechanisms vary.
“From the outside, it may look like avoidance. But when we listened to the teenagers, many described music, reading, soccer, or spending time alone as ways to calm themselves down,” she said.
“The reality for many is that there isn’t really a ‘safe space’ where stress can be switched off. It follows them from home to school and back again.”
Jabbour said warning signs of distress can include ongoing sadness, irritability, withdrawal, and physical symptoms.
“Frequent headaches or stomach aches with no clear medical cause can also be signs of stress. Some may become angry more easily; others may become very quiet. Changes in sleep are a red flag as well: Either not sleeping much at all or sleeping excessively.”
She said adolescence is a critical developmental stage.
“If mental health problems are ignored at this stage, they can affect education, relationships, employment, and long-term well-being. But the opposite is also true: if we support teens early, we can strengthen resilience for life.”
The study also highlighted the role of faith and coping mechanisms.
“For many teens, faith helped them feel that their suffering had meaning and that they were not alone. That sense of hope can be incredibly protective,” Jabbour said.
Researchers recommended mental health training for teachers in under-resourced schools.
Teachers don’t need to become therapists but “basic mental health literacy training can help teachers recognise warning signs and know how to respond”.
“Mental health is not a luxury. If we want academic success, reduced crime, and economic growth, we must invest in adolescent mental health,” she said.
Jabbour added that access to mental health professionals remains a challenge.
“We need to invest in the mental health professionals qualifying in our country and try retaining them in schools and local clinics etc, instead of them going into private practice or leaving the country.”
“We can also work on strengthening existing systems: train teachers, support families, partner with faith communities, and build school-based support structures,” she said.
Saturday Star Reporter
iol.co.za
